Sony Open Stars Eager for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Sony Open Stars Eager for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

The 2014 Sony Open Tennis Tournament may be the focus of the ATP players for the moment, but it’s another event in a different sport that is drawing more and more of their attention as the days go by. June 12 marks the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a month-long soccer extravaganza that is traditionally the biggest sports tournament in the world. And if you think the ATP players don’t know it, then you don’t know Lionel Messi from Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Yeah, the players obviously talk about it a lot; a lot of the players love football (soccer),” said Sony Open defending champion Andy Murray. “I’m sure as it gets a bit closer we will discuss it a little bit more. About 18 months ago I told Juan Monaco that Belgium were my outsiders for the tournament, and he laughed at me. Yeah, they are doing pretty well now. They’ve got a good group.” Belgium is considered one of the tournament dark horses, and will play in Group H with Algeria, Russia and South Korea.